Right out of high school I spent two summers in a row as a camp counselor. Sleep was non existent. Everybody got a cold. I had campers that made me want to pull my hair out. It was also one of the best times of my life. You're probably thinking, “how the heck does that make sense? No sleep, sickness, and annoying campers.” Well stick with me as I give you ten reasons why all that is worth it!

1. The friendships you make last a lifetime.

I made some of the best friends that I'll ever have during those times. My fellow counselors were my lifelines. On weekends we went on all kinds of adventures. We had some very deep conversations about life, boys, and faith. Those girls made me laugh like no one else could. Inside jokes were the greatest thing ever. I will forever be grateful for the summer I got to spend with some of the most amazing people ever.

2. Training for mommy hood

I had the privilege of, and I say privilege because there is no greater joy then running through your cabin singing at the top of your lungs while your campers sleep. Does that make me a terrible person? Nah they were fine. They were angry at me but fine. It did the trick too. Then throughout the day, I got to make sure my campers ate the right things at meal time. You know their fruits and vegetables not just the cookies and breakfast bars. I got to make sure they were safe and always stayed with me. Especially the elementary kids. I got to first hand experience how rude a teenager can be. Then at lights out it was my job to make sure my girls actually went to sleep. Oh and when I had the occasional 8 year old camper wake up in the middle of the night due to homesickness, I got to comfort her. I enjoyed that part. Even though it was late and I was tired. Singing her back to sleep made it worth being up. I am now ready for the day I get to be a mommy for real.

3. Excuse to eat unhealthy food

Guys! The camp I worked at had some crazy good food. Horrible for you, but delicious. After running around all day with campers, you earn that bad food. Mac and Cheese anyone?

4. Dress code is the greatest!

If I wanted to wear sweats one day, no problem. Shorts and a tank top, yup. Swimsuit? Of course! It was summer camp, we swam. I had to dress for the elements. Which meant flip flops or tennis shoes. Whatever I decided.

5.Your office is literally outside.

I got to spend all day outside. Enjoying the sun. Playing in the water. When the camp is in a pretty spot with the river on one side and trees on the other, you have the most beautiful office ever. Better yet, you don't have to look at your office through a window. You actually get to enjoy it!

6. The activities you as a counselor get to participate in with your campers.

Dirt boarding. Same as skateboarding but on dirt. Swimming. Tubing on the river. Only for the high school week. Tubing on this particular river was a bit dangerous but oh so worth it. Many other activities. But my favorite by far was the slip n slide. We had this giant tarp set up on a massive hill, with water spraying down from a hose. Oh man, I loved that one. Except I did break my toe, but whatever, it was worth it.

7. You grow and mature by being immature

At camp you get to run around and act like a child in order to connect with your campers. In doing so you learn new things about yourself. This helps you grow as an individual.

8. The crazier you act as a counselor the better.

That's right, working at a camp gives you explicit permission to act as crazy as you can. Campers love it. Of course there is a time to be calm. But those times when you get to just be as goofy as possible is the best. Plus it gives your campers permission to be crazy with you.

9. Making a Fool of Yourself In Front Of The Entire Camp!

Let me explain. At most camps, staff have to do some sort of performance for their campers. We called ours Friday Night Live. Our version of Saturday Night live. We would put on skits to make our campers laugh. To this day, I still have both dvds of our music videos. Did I mention I got to rap in one of them. I am the whitest rapper ever. But it sure was fun! :)

10. Last but certainly not least the amazing campers!

There is the occasional difficult camper. But for the most part campers are the greatest. Even the high school campers. I was able to bring the inner child out of each of my girls. The conversations we had were incredible. I learned from my campers things I didn't even know about myself. I still keep in touch with a few of them. The reason we even have camp is for the campers so I would never leave them out!

You see, camp is an incredible experience. The good outweighs the bad 10 times out of 10!